RNLI SLEP Project Brief
Duration: 20 Days
Canary Designs partnered with Nottingham Trent University to help with the Severn Life Extension Plan (SLEP) Programme. The project brief was focused on improving the accommodation of the target population stakeholders, currently at 64% for the existing layout to 95% accommodation for the new layout. Canary Designs designed the work breakdown tasks to evaluate a CAD model of proposed layouts, and the data requirements for a wooden mock-up user trial. There was a great deal of time pressure associated with the project because of the availability of the crew and the mock-up.
Method
Initially as the project is aiming for 95% accommodation of the target population, three digital manikins were created 2.5th percentile Female, 50th percentile Male and 97.5th percentile Male before moving onto consideration of the overall layout of the wheelhouse and breaking it down into the crew positions:
- Helm
- Cox
- Navigator 1
- Mechanic
- Crew
- Navigator 2
- Doctor
A 3D CAD model was used to conduct the ergonomic analysis which looked into the seating design and the adjustability range provided. While also considering the dynamic factors such as the weight range that the suspension seats can support. The modelling allowed for the use of harnesses, and reviewed the postures required to ingress and egress the seats. Reach assessments and visual assessments were conducted at each crew position to measure whether or not the entire population of stakeholders could complete all required tasks successfully.
The wooden mock-up trial design set out to gather a representative sample of anthropometric data for the entire target population. However, the female population was under represented and additional CAD modelling was conducted following the trial to review proposed design changes / recreation of trial tasks with female representation from 2.5th percentile to 97.5th percentile females. Video footage of tasks being conducted, eye tracking technology (Tobii Pro Glasses 2) and interviews were used to record the interactions between the stakeholder and workspace. Trial scenarios covered ingress / egress, seat adjustment, harness adjustment, reach, and visual field analysis.
Outcome
Apart from 3 days of video footage, 2 days of eye tracking data, and an anthropometric data set for the trial participants, Canary Designs provided the naval architects with insights into how the stakeholders would interact with the finished design. The advantages and disadvantages of certain layouts, the identification of conflicting requirements and a way to address them. The final report combined the findings of the CAD modelling analysis and the wooden mock-up trials to identify shortfalls and solutions for the final prototype design. The prototype is scheduled for sea trials in 2020.
Testimonials
I am Chair of the North East Wales Panel of Remap, we design and make “Bespoke Equipment” for the disabled, John approached us about Gary working alongside our volunteer Engineers during his stay for a month spread over the year, we accepted his offer and agreed for that to happen.
John and Gary came to our Monthly meeting in September and I can say he immediately settled in, introduced himself and not only listened to our discussions relating to ongoing work but asked questions showing an interest in what we do.
Gary, a very polite likeable chap who has displayed a good work ethic and is keen to make the best of his time with us. In the short time he has been with us he has impressed everyone with his knowledge and the ideas he puts forward for consideration.
When he has been with an Engineer to see clients regarding our work, he always has empathy with them regarding their issues and always eager to attempt to resolve them and improve their lives.
I was the Project Manager responsible for converting decommissioned areas into storage facilities for storing drums of radioactive waste at Bradwell Decommissioning Site. John Lovegrove was appointed to add his expertise and insight into supporting the Project. John used his area of expertise to add value and focus into the delivery of the best solutions. John was a valuable member of the team with a gift for highlighting the often overlooked items in the early stages. Measure twice cut once.
I wish to express my thanks and appreciation to John Lovegrove of Canary Designs for the professional and knowledgeable commitment provided in a challenging legal claim arising out of a work-related upper limb disorder.
It was extremely helpful to have an expert in this specialist field of work who could produce a technical and detailed report very quickly. Indeed, I am sure that Mr Lovegrove’s investigation and report was a pivotal factor in the success of my client’s claim.
I would highly recommend Canary Designs.
John and Canary Designs were called in to help us assess the ergonomics of our workplace in light of the repetitive nature of many of our laboratory activities. They spent time in the laboratory videoing activities and talking through tasks with the staff to ensure that they thoroughly understood them. As a result they were able to recommend a number of very practical, targeted alterations that we have since implemented and which have transformed the way that we work. We were very happy with the service we received and would definitely use them again in the future.